Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Major Henry Pierson Crowe (MCSN: 0-5028), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service while serving as Commanding Officer of the Second Battalion, Eighth Marines, SECOND Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces at Betio Island, Tarawa Atoll, Gilbert Islands, from 20 to 22 November 1943. Courageously leading his Battalion ashore in the face of savage enemy resistance, Major Crowe maintained continuous aggressive pressure for three days from the limited beachhead established by his command in the midst of Japanese emplacements and strongholds. Constantly exposing himself to hostile fire and working without rest, he effectively coordinated the efforts of his own hard-pressed Battalion, attached units and subsequent reinforcement, directing their combined attacks skillfully and with unwavering determination, and succeeded in overcoming one of the most heavily defended Japanese centers of resistance on Tarawa Atoll. Major Crowe’s inspiring leadership, brilliant tactical ability and indomitable fighting spirit under extremely perilous conditions reflect great credit upon himself, his valiant command and the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Major

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    8th Marines

    Division:

    2d Marine Division

    Action Date:

    January 15, 1943

    Headquarters, U.S. Army Forces in the South Pacific Area, General Orders No. 47 (February 22, 1943)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star (Army Award) to Major Henry Pierson Crowe (MCSN: 0-5028), United States Marine Corps, for gallantry in action on 15 January 1943 at Guadalcanal. In command of a Regimental Weapons Company attached to the Second Battalion, Eighth Marines, SECOND Marine Division, in combat with strong enemy forces west of Point Cruz. Captain Crowe assisted materially in the success of the operations by directing 37-mm. fire to destroy several strong enemy emplacements. With eight men he rushed and captured an enemy emplacement. With eight men he rushed and captured an enemy emplacement containing a 77-mm. field piece, located behind the advanced lines. His group skilled five enemy in the gun emplacement and destroyed a large ammunition dump by dynamiting it.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Colonel

    Action Date:

    August 1 – November 2, 1950

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Colonel Henry Pierson Crowe (MCSN: 0-5028), United States Marine Corps, was awarded a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States in Korea from 1 August to 2 November 1950.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Colonel

    Action Date:

    September 15 – November 2, 1950

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Colonel Henry Pierson Crowe (MCSN: 0-5028), United States Marine Corps, was awarded the Legion of Merit (Army Award) for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States in Korea from 15 September to 2 November 1950.